August 2017: Trunk Development – Part 1

Are you searching for a superior tree service company in Kennewick? We are it. We are some of the Tri-Cities only certified arborists and would like the chance at earning your business.

In today’s tutorial, we are discussing trunk development in trees. Here we go:

For most younger trees, maintain a single dominant leader. Do not prune back the tip of this leader or allow secondary branches to outgrow the main leader. Sometimes, a tree will develop two leaders known as codominant stems. Codominant stems can lead to structural weaknesses, so it is best to remove or shorten one of the stems while the tree is young.

A tree’s secondary branches contribute to the development of a sturdy, tapered trunk.
When numerous branches are being removed, it is preferable to retain some, at least temporarily, to promote trunk diameter growth.

Permanent Branch Selection
Most of the branches present on a young tree at planting will be pruned away at maturity to provide clearance for mowing, pedestrians, and/or vehicle traffic.

The height of the lowest permanent branch is determined by the tree’s intended function and location in the landscape. The road side of a street tree may be raised to 15 feet to accommodate traffic. In most other situations, seven feet of clearance is sufficient.

Trees used as screens or windbreaks, however, usually branch low to the ground. Sufficient branch spacing and balance, both vertically and radially, is important. The space between permanent branches should be approximately three percent of the tree’s eventual height.

Beyond spacing, the strength of branch structure depends on the relative size of the branches and branch angles. Branches similar in diameter to the trunk or limb from which they arise are more prone to failure than those smaller in diameter.

Going Forward With Your Tree Care
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree care and tree trimming needs. When, and if, you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon because we are your Burbank tree care specialists.

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